Chris Wedge

Chris Wedge (John Christian Wedge, born March 20, 1957) is an American filmmaker, animator, designer, voice actor, and cartoonist whose career spans more than four decades of pioneering computer‑generated imagery. From his early fascination with cut‑out animation at the age of twelve to his leadership of one of the most influential CGI studios, his impact on modern animation is profound. He first entered the industry as the lead animator on Disney’s groundbreaking sci‑fi film Tron (1982), where he was credited as a scene programmer, laying a technical foundation that would inform his later work. After earning a BFA from SUNY Purchase and an MA in computer graphics from Ohio State, Wedge co‑founded Blue Sky Studios in 1987, quickly becoming its Vice President of Creative Development and steering the studio to critical and commercial success. He directed the Academy Award‑winning short Bunny (1998) and later helmed Blue Sky’s debut feature, the wildly popular Ice Age (2002), also creating and voicing the iconic Scrat character whose squeaks have become synonymous with the franchise. Subsequent features such as Robots (2005) and Epic (2013) showcased his ability to blend humor, visual spectacle, and heartfelt storytelling, earning him nominations for Best Animated Feature and cementing his reputation as a versatile auteur. Beyond Blue Sky, Wedge contributed CGI effects to films like Alien Resurrection and Titan A.E., directed the live‑action adventure Monster Trucks (2016), and in 2023 joined Annapurna Animation to direct the original film FOO. His dedication to mentoring emerging talent is reflected in his teaching stints at the School of Visual Arts and his ongoing involvement in short‑form projects such as the Disney+ series Ice Age: Scrat Tales. Living in Katonah, New York with his wife Jeanne Markel and their two children, Wedge continues to shape the future of animation through both innovative storytelling and technological advancement.